That night—
Adrian couldn't sleep.
The image of Elena replayed in his mind.
Her confidence.
Her coldness.
Her indifference.
It didn't make sense.
Meanwhile—
Vanessa sat across from him, her expression tight.
"You're thinking about her again, aren't you?"
Adrian didn't answer.
Which was already an answer.
Her nails dug into her palm.
"She's just pretending," Vanessa said quickly. "You know her—she's not capable of all this."
Adrian's voice was low.
"…I don't know that anymore."
Elsewhere—
Elena stood on a balcony, overlooking the city lights.
Her assistant approached carefully.
"Miss Carter… Blake Corporation is requesting another meeting."
Elena didn't turn.
"Reject it."
"Yes, ma'am."
A pause.
Then—
"Also," the assistant added, "Mr. Blake personally asked to see you."
This time—
Elena smiled faintly.
Cold.
Controlled.
"Tell him to book an appointment."
Back in his office—
Adrian received the message.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he let out a quiet, humorless laugh.
"An appointment…"
His eyes darkened slightly.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Far away—
Elena closed her eyes briefly.
The pain was still there.
But it no longer controlled her.
Now—
She was in control.
And Adrian Blake had just taken the first step…
Into regret.